BootsnAll's Travel Community

Hey there,

I'm doing a month and a half trip to SEA in the next couple of months and I'm trying to decide on my primary pack.

I've decided I want to go as light as possible, and I don't want to check anything (even though I'm going to miss my pocket knife).

I've done a few searches on the Bootsnall forums, and people generally have good stuff to say about the Mountainsmith Ramble. Good conversion to shoulder duffle bag, good for carry-on luggage (except in Europe, where it's too big).

It's an older pack though, so I wanted to check to see if you guys had any other tips or suggestions.

Advice is appreciated! Thanks guys.

Chris

I suggest the Eagle Creek Ultimate Explorer LT....

....No wait. That's Joe.

It's a panel loader, which is good for our kind of bumping around. It's surprisingly compact. Usually people who ask this question have just found themselves a 105 litre pack somewhere and we gotta talk 'em down. 57 litres? Right on. I like that top pouch, which is like a quick rain jacket pouch. It doesn't have my most hated thing, the detachable day pack, which makes me say Excelente!

From all the pics I can see, the biggest problem is the Rip Stop Nylon which I find to be too light for travelling our way. Our packs tend to get tossed around too much. And you may yearn for a little more division in the pack while on the road. Small quibbles. And Joe should come on right after me to tell you that my Rip Stop worry is groundless. I can't see the rigging, which aggravates me in these selling photos, but if you've tried it on and it fits your shoulders, then great.

Good pack OceanicNomad (I assume the small 'n' was a typo)
Welcome to the group.

D

(A little add on) To your pocket knife worry. I hear you, brother. I don't know if I could go anywhere without my Leatherman. I don't have to worry about that anymore though. The size restrictions get smaller all the time. So old Bugs rides below these days.

Yea, typo...probably should recreate the account or ask mods if they can change user names.

Bummer.

But hey, thanks for the super analysis of the pack. I think I'll go with it since I have had Mountainsmith packs with the same type of sturdy nylon.

That is of course unless you have any alternatives I should consider in the 40-50L range.

Not really sure if this is still on sale or not but I found the Rambler on the BnA Travel Gear site.

As for adjusting your screen name, send a private message to Jessie and she'll help you out.

Welcome to BootsnAll!

I have the Osprey Porter 46 (46 liter) and it works very well. Very lightweight at under 3 lb. and holds more than you think it would. I managed to squeeze in my clothes, various electronics gear and a carbon fiber tripod in it on my last trip with space left for a couple of small souvenirs.

The typo has been fixed. Carry on.

Whoa, mucho gracias, Jessie! I didn't even have to send a private message!

And Pete, thanks for the suggestion. I'll research the Osprey before making my final call.

I think I'm going to go with the Ramble. If its still on sale, I'd love to order from the Bootsnall store and support the site, but every time I hit "buy now" it takes me to another site that lists it at a much higher price.

Am I missing a coupon code or something?

Nomad, try this question in the questions and comments section. I think the High Mucky Mucks check there pretty often.

quote:

Originally posted by Piecar:
Nomad, try this question in the questions and comments section. I think the High Mucky Mucks check there pretty often.

I'll do that. But it may not matter...did some digging and the site has a pricematch option, so I can get the absolute lowest regardless!

I also started browsing a series of "ultra lights" and one caught my eye in general -- The North Face Skareb 55

Now its more traditional, doesn't have all the weird rigging the Ramble has. Its 50 liters so a bit smaller than the Ramble, but its also 2.5 pounds compared to the Ramble's 5 pounds.

Its designed for maximum mobility in mind, which is the selling point that appealed to me more than anything.

Any takes or opinion on this compared to the Ramble? I love Mountainsmith, but I've had good dealings with North Face as well.


Also, I think I'm going to check it after all. I don't think I'm going to be able to part with my Benchmade pocket knife...so I may throw in all those liquids I'd have to buy overseas anyway (repellent, contact solution, etc).

Thanks again for helping me out!

Here is what I use myself and how to get in touch with the people. They can tellyou if someone has them in your area. I had to order mine. But I love the MEI Voyageur. It can look like a carry on but converts into a pack with a waist belt. If you are using just a carry on it works great.


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